Waterless Lithography

Demonstration organized by Jackson Taylor

Description

Waterless lithography was pioneered in the 60s by the American based 3M company for commercial printing purposes. The technology for this process was soon purchased by a Japanese company, where the procedure was developed further and utilized for offset printing in Tokyo. In the world of fine art printmaking, waterless lithography was researched heavily by Jeff Ryan and Jeffrey L. Sippel at the Tamarind Institute in the early 90’s, where they reconfigured the procedure to operate in tandem with hand lithography. From there printmakers have continued to explore and experiment with the technique.

The waterless process provides a versatile and cost-effective alternative to traditional stone lithography. Using extremely portable ball-grained aluminum plates, lithographs can be printed on an array of presses, and can be done so without the use of harmful chemicals normally associated with the medium. In my research, I have found that the waterless process offers a constellation of possibilities to the experimental printmaker, especially when it is used in conjunction with other print media. I have used it with great success alongside silkscreen, monotype, and other lithographic techniques.

This demonstration will examine the technical and conceptual applications of waterless lithography in the expanded field of printmaking. Waterless lithography enables artists to work in a free and direct manner, allowing elements of drawing, painting, and collage to operate in conjunction with the dynamism of a reproducible image. The demonstration will include a thorough technical handout for students and instructors alike, an overview of creating and processing a waterless plate, as well as the printing of an image that has already been prepared. This form of non-toxic lithography truly is a fantastic alternative to traditional lithographic practices, and can be used in any printshop facility.

About the artist

Currently the Assistant Professor of Printmaking and Drawing at the University of Virginia, Jackson Taylor was born and raised in rural Kentucky on an intergenerational cattle and tobacco farm. He holds a BFA in 2D Studio Art from the University of Louisville and received his MFA in Printmaking and Drawing from the University of Iowa in 2021. He is a master of lithography and monotype processes, which he uses to generate multifaceted prints and drawings about growing up in the American South. Taylor has conducted printmaking workshops across the US and exhibited his work internationally.

Time

3:45-5:15pm Friday

Location

Kent State University School of Art

Center for Visual Arts (CVA)

Room 306 (Print Media & Photography Studios)

Wearing face coverings and being up-to-date on Covid-19 vaccinations are strongly recommended at this location.